Overview
- Accepting applications
- Open & closing dates: 05/30/2023 to 06/09/2023
- Salary: $76,860 – $119,760 per yearSalary will be based on the grade level for which you are selected.
- Pay scale & grade: GS 11 – 12
- Location: 1 vacancy in the following location:
- Remote job: No
- Telework eligible: Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
- Travel Required: 25% or less – Travel may be required up to 25% of each month.
- Relocation expenses reimbursed: No
- Appointment type: Permanent –
- Work schedule: Full-time –
- Service: Competitive
- Promotion potential: 12
- Job family (Series): 0819 Environmental Engineering1315 Hydrology
- Supervisory status: No
- Security clearance: Not Required
- Drug test: No
- Position sensitivity and risk: Moderate Risk (MR)
- Trust determination process: Suitability/Fitness
- Announcement number: CIN-ZX-DE-2023-0017
- Control number: 728232700
Summary
This position is in Region 10, Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division , Risk Evaluation Branch. About Region 10: Region 10 Website
This is an office-centered position–you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. Partial work-from-home flexibilities may be authorized.
This job is open to
Duties
At the entry level of this position, you will:
- Develop and review technical documents, conceptual site models and characterization technical approaches; prepare plans, lead investigations, and prepare reports on site characterization, contaminant fate and transport, hydrogeology, quality assurance project plans, and remediation alternatives at hazardous waste sites, including federal facilities.
- Provide technical advice on solving assigned long-term and/or special complex technical problems, collaborating with other team members with a wide range of scientific disciplines, and making recommendations and supporting decisions on the technical merits of hydrogeological reports and remediation alternatives. Also provide hydrogeological and remediation advice on behalf of EPA to other Federal, State, Tribal and Local Agencies, and the public.
- Represent the Agency as Technical Specialist by participating routinely in a variety of meetings to discuss and represent EPA’s position and discuss technical aspects of studies and the selection of remedial action alternatives.
When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses. NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.
You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You must submit a resume and required documents–see How to Apply section.
- Position has education requirements–see Qualifications/Education section.
- EPA and non-EPA applicants must submit transcripts/course listings.
#LI-Onsite
If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
This position is designated as Moderate Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.
You will be required to meet ongoing specialized safety training requirements in order to meet field safety standards.
Qualifications
In addition to the educational requirements, we are looking for at least one year of specialized experience related to this position as described below:
To qualify for the GS-11 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-09 level defined as providing hydrogeology or environmental engineering technical support;
– OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in the academic discipline as described below
– OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
To qualify for the GS-12 level, you need to have at least one year of full-time experience equivalent to the GS-11 level defined as providing technical expertise in the areas of hydrogeology or environmental engineering.
Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of investigation and interpretation techniques, methods, and equipment associated with hydrogeology and remediation to serve as a technical specialist in the field of hydrogeology as it relates to the characterization, measurement, control or remediation of contamination of soil or groundwater at complex hazardous waste sites.
2. Knowledge of engineering principles and practices and management techniques for reducing concentrations of hazardous materials and nutrients (including chemicals, nutrient, and/or radionuclide contamination) in surface and groundwater, sediment and soil to prevent mitigation and unacceptable exposure.
3. Ability to communicate complicated and technical information on hydrological theories and practices (including surface water/groundwater interaction) to solving complex environmental problems to the general public.
4. Knowledge of Environmental laws and regulations (including Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act [CERCLA, also known as Superfund], Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [RCRA], Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, etc.) and guidance at a variety of contaminated sites, including federal facilities.
5. Knowledge of recent developments in scientific research on hydrogeology and on contaminant source control technology to ensure the best available science is used for decision-making.
6. Ability to provide clear and effective technical writing sufficient to communicate complicated technical information in writing.
7. Skill in verbal communication sufficient to orally communicate technical information to various stakeholders.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
If you have part-time work experience, read this: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
Education
You need a degree or combination of education and experience as described below to qualify for this position.
A bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in
1315 – Hydrologist
You must have a bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The coursework must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics; OR a combination of education and experience with education equivalent to one of the majors listed that included the described coursework.
0819 – Environmental Engineering
All applicants must meet one of the following requirements to qualify for consideration for an engineering position:
- Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college
OR
- Have a combination of college level education or training AND technical experience that has furnished you with (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
- Professional registration as an engineer.
- Evidence of passing the Engineer-in-Training written test.
- Successful documented completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as described by OPM.
- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field and at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance.
Please review the OPM page on specifics about required curriculum and for more information on qualifications, please visit GS-800: All Professional Engineering Positions qualifications.
For information about accreditation requirements, visit EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
Additional information
Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at EPA. Our excellence can only be fully realized by staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates are committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the Agency’s workplace and mission. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. At EPA, diversity is a vital element in bringing a balance of perspectives to bear on every challenge we face. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce because we know that the individual strengths and abilities of our employees make us a stronger organization. The more inclusive our employee base is, the greater the variety of ideas that are generated, and the more representative we are of the nation we serve. To learn more about how EPA values and supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA.
EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed in the Overview section.
This position is in the bargaining unit.
If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.
This position may be eligible for flexible work schedules in accordance with EPA’s Workplace Flexibilities policy. If selected, you may apply for expanded telework or remote work after 90 days of employment. These flexibilities are not guaranteed and will be determined in accordance with policy and position requirements.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF): As a federal employee, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on federal Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer, including EPA. Learn more: pslf.gov
This position has portable work. If selected for this position, you may be eligible for partial work-from-home flexibilities after meeting eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Your resume must address the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the Qualifications section. If you meet basic qualification requirements, your application will be further evaluated based on your answers to the online assessment. Your responses to the online assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for the position. You are being evaluated under the category rating method which means, if you are determined to be qualified, you will be placed into the ‘Best Qualified’, ‘Well Qualified’, or ‘Qualified’ category. NOTE: Preference eligible veterans must be selected, or decline further consideration, before applicants who are ineligible for veterans’ preference can be selected (to learn more, visit Veterans’ Preference).
We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the assessment questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. We will evaluate your qualifications and eligibility and notify you if you meet minimum qualification requirements. If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, job knowledge test, case scenario analysis, scientific data assessment, structured interview, etc.).
NOTE: We do not require a separate statement responding to the competencies, also referred to as Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). However, your resume should clearly show possession of these competencies.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Required Documents
Documents to be submitted online:
NOTE: You should ensure your social security number, date of birth, and any other personal information are redacted.
–Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and Qualifications section. In describing your experience, you need to be clear and specific. We may not make assumptions regarding your experience.
–College transcripts – required to submit either unofficial transcripts or a list of courses that includes school(s) attended, school address, course title, grades earned, completion dates, department, and quarter or semester hours earned. NOTE: Official educational transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if you are selected, you must provide official transcripts before you start work with EPA. IF EDUCATION WAS COMPLETED AT A FOREIGN INSTITUTION: You must submit an equivalency evaluation with your application as described here: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
–Veterans’ Preference Documents:Separated veterans claiming 5-point preference:
- – DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge)
Separated veterans claiming 10-point preference based on compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more:
- – DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service); document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge); and
- – VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage); and
- – SF-15 (use current version: SF-15 Form) (see page 2 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214 and VA letter)
Other separated veterans claiming 10-point preference OR spouses, widows/widowers, or mothers claiming 10-point derived preference:
- – SF-15 (use current version: SF-15 Form); and
- – Other required documentation indicated on the SF-15
Active duty service members:
- – Certification from the armed forces documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (a certification is any written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge) within 120 days after you submit the certification)
–Displaced Federal employees under ICTAP/CTAP: copy of your most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station.
To learn more about submitting documentation, visit Uploading Documents to USAJOBS.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
You are strongly encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.
To begin the application process, click the Apply button to the top right on this screen, follow the prompts to log-in/register, submit all required documents, and complete the assessment questionnaire. To be considered, you must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day the announcement closes.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS document portfolio feature.
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resources Office listed below for assistance no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement. You must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
For detailed instructions to assist you in ensuring your application package is received, go to EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
EPA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Decisions for granting reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis.
The National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, see Reasonable Accommodation.
Agency contact information
Lynette Kruger
Phone
Fax
513-569-7826
Address
Environmental Protection Agency
US Environmental Protection Agency
Human Resources Office
26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Mail Stop 132
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
United States
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application via your USAJOBS account by clicking the Track This Application link. Through your USAJOBS account, you will be notified of the status of your application at four touch-points (some of these notifications may be combined): (1) when your application is received; (2) when we conduct an eligibility and qualification review of your application package; (3) when applications are referred (or not) to the hiring manager; (4) when a selection is made (or not) for the position or the job is canceled. It is your responsibility to check your USAJOBS account for this application status information. In addition, you will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
NOTE: We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
